The Sri Lanka Bonsai Association (SLBA) will host its annual bonsai exhibition, “Reflections 2026 – Living Images,” on March 13 and 14 at the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress Hall, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, the orgnizers announced.

They promised “a serene visual journey into the living art of bonsai, showcasing meticulously trained miniature trees created by their members.”

The event will include live bonsai demonstrations for enthusiasts and beginners alike. A demonstration is scheduled for 3 pm on March 14 followed by another at 11 am on March 15.

“This will give visitors an opportunity to observe techniques, ask questions, and gain practical insight into this ancient art form. They will also be able to purchase bonsai pots and related materials,” the organizers said.

Bonsai is believed to have originated in China over a thousand years ago before being refined and popularized in Japan and then spreading to the rest of the world. The art involves cultivating and shaping trees in containers to reflect the beauty, balance, and spirit of nature in miniature form.

More than horticulture, bonsai is considered a meditative practice that blends patience, aesthetics, and a deep respect for natural growth.

The Sri Lanka Bonsai Association founded in 1989 has played a pioneering role in promoting and developing bonsai art in Sri Lanka. Since its inception, SLBA has brought together enthusiasts from across the island.

Stringent measures have to be taken to ensure importers of food products and food ingredients adhered to shelf-life standards, those familiar with the import procedures said.

Responding to The Island queries, sources said that the government should direct relevant importers that food consignments arriving at the Colombo Port must have the required shelf life remaining, while all proper handling and storage practices are adhered to in order to maintain freshness and ensure the products remain free from contamination.

Due to recent global conflicts, ocean going vessels have faced delays, impacting the timely arrival of food shipments. Consequently, authorities, customs and food regulators have heightened their monitoring efforts. Importers must be exceptionally cautious: any product failing to meet the shelf-life standards will be rejected.

Additionally, some consignments, originally bound for conflict zones, are being diverted to Sri Lanka. However, these products may also fail to meet local shelf-life requirements. Importers must not, under any circumstances, bring in items that do not comply with these regulations.

Sources said that importers must exercise the utmost caution. They must not import food items lacking proper shelf life. Strict compliance is not just a recommendation—it’s a necessity, sources said.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya departed for Manila, Philippines, at midnight on 8 March on an official visit at the invitation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), where she will participate in events marking International Women’s Day.

Upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, the Prime Minister was welcomed by Dr. Chanaka Thalpahewa, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Philippines, along with officials of the Government of the Philippines and representatives of the Asian Development Bank.

During the visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the International Women’s Day event hosted at the ADB Headquarters in Manila.

On the sidelines of the event, the Prime Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with several Ministers of the Government of the Philippines to further strengthen cooperation and bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the Philippines in areas of mutual interest.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]